Hochul announces start of holiday food, toy, coat and school supply drive to benefit New Yorkers in need

Nonperishable food items will be collected & distributed ahead of Thanksgiving; donations of food, toys, school supplies & coats will be accepted between until Dec. 5

√ Find holiday drive information available here

Information Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced New York’s annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across New York is underway as of Saturday, Nov. 1. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies and nonperishable food items are being sought to support community-based organizations that assist New Yorkers during the holiday giving season. This year’s holiday drive has been expanded to include food donations for New York families using SNAP benefits.

“Generosity is a core value of the holiday season. New York’s statewide toy and coat drive offers an opportunity to give back to our communities when it’s needed most,” Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to consider donating to share hope, happiness, warmth and holiday cheer with children and families in need.”

The New York State Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state for businesses and individuals to donate new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies and nonperishable food items, which will be given to families in underserved communities throughout New York. Donations will be collected at most drop-off locations from Nov. 1 through Dec. 5. Items, both shipped and dropped off, will be accepted at the Empire State Plaza until Dec. 15. Food collected between Nov. 1 and the week before Thanksgiving will be distributed in time for the holiday.

The local drop-off locations are as follows:

√ Electric Tower, 535 Washington St., Buffalo 

√ 95 Perry St., Buffalo

√ Packages ordered online can be shipped to the following location:

Empire State Plaza

P1 South Dock J

Albany, New York 12242

NYS Holiday Drive